Tuesday, June 06, 2017

Pro-Trump media outlets attacked CNN by claiming the network was “staging fake Muslim demonstrations” in response to the June 3 London Bridge terror attack. The smear, which started with nativist, anti-Muslim Daily Mail columnist Katie Hopkins, was quickly called out by CNN as “nonsense.”

CNN "simply filmed" demonstrators showing their signs to the media

CNN: “This story is nonsense.” According to a statement to Mediaite, CNN called the story “nonsense” and explained, “The group of demonstrators that was at the police cordon was being allowed through by officers so they could show their signs to the gathered media. The CNN crew along with other media present simply filmed them doing so.” [Mediaite, 6/4/17]

Hopkins is an anti-Muslim nativist

Hopkins has a history of anti-Muslim and nativist rhetoric. Hopkins has repeatedly defamed Muslims and immigrants and once compared refugees to “cockroaches” and suggested using “gunships to stop migrants” crossing into Europe after hundreds died when a boat capsized off the coast of Libya. Hopkins was once investigated by police “over allegations she incited racial hatred” and denounced by the United Nations high commissioner for human rights. Additionally, following the London attack, Hopkins suggested that the U.K. “need[s] internment camps” for suspected terrorists. [Media Matters, 3/2/17, 6/4/17]